FCRA AMENDMENT BILL 2026

NEWS: The Union governmentàdeferred discussions on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026

ABOUT

• The Bill seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010
• Governs how individuals, associations, and companies in India accept and utilize foreign donations.
• Introduces a stricter framework for managing assets+ funds when an organization’s registration is cancelled, surrendered, or expires.
• Objectiveà Streamline the management of foreign assets+ ensure that inflows do not adversely affect national interest, public order, or national security.

Key Provisions Proposed

• The Bill empowers the Central government to appoint a Designated Authority to take over, supervise
• Manage foreign contributions+ assets if a registration is cancelled, surrendered, or ceases.
• A registration certificateà Deemed to have ceased if no renewal application is made, if renewal is denied, or if it is not obtained before the expiry date.

Provisional vs. Permanent Vesting

• Assets vest temporarily with the Authority during suspension or renewal delays
• They are returned if registration is restored.
• Assets vest permanently if the person fails to renew registration within a prescribed period or if the entity becomes defunct.
• The Authority can transfer permanently vested assets to government departments
• Dispose of them via sale, with proceeds credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Religious Places of Worshipà For places of worship, the Authority can entrust management to a prescribed person
• The Bill expands the category of persons prohibited from accepting foreign aid to include any person engaged in news production or broadcast.

Legal Protections and Penalties

• Aggrieved persons can appeal an order of the Authority to a District Judge within 90 days.
• The maximum imprisonment for contravening the Act is reduced from five years to one year.
• Central government approval is now required to initiate any investigation for offences under the Act.